Has your firm missed many crucial payment deadlines? If so, you’ve probably dealt with late payment fees that snowballed into an overwhelming amount.
Not to mention the internal agita on meeting deadlines, and the miscalculations that most likely come with it.
If left unchecked, these missteps and errors can put your firm’s reputation on the line.
With that being said, you need a dedicated accounts payable specialist to keep your outgoing payments in check.
Defining an Accounts Payable Clerk
An accounts payable (AP) clerk or specialist is the one in charge of managing your firm’s bills.
Considered the unsung heroes of most accounting firms, accounts payable (AP) clerks take care of payments to your suppliers, vendors, banks, creditors, and other third-party entities you owe money to.
But note that the accounts payable department is not in charge of payroll, since payroll is a separate department that also requires a separate clerk or specialist.
What's the Difference Between Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable?
AP and AR complement each other, accounting for the money that goes out and goes in. Simply put, an accounts payable specialist takes care of the money you owe other parties while an accounts receivable specialist manages the payments owed to your firm.
Both AP and AR specialists ensure that payment records are error-free and done before the deadline.
| Accounts Payable | Accounts Receivable |
|---|---|
| Your firm's payments to other parties | Payments to be received from other parties |
| Consists of vendor invoices | Consists of customer invoices |
| For items that your company purchased | Your firm's services or products |
| Increases your firm's cash flow | Decreases your firm's cash flow |
| Decreases your firm's net profit | Increases your firm's net profit |
| Liabilities | Assets |
Skills and Qualifications of an AP Clerk
- Accounts Payable Clerk Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or any equivalent degree
- Experience in AP/AR tasks/operations
- Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel
- Proficiency in accounting software related to AP/AR operations
- Accounts Payable Clerk Skills
- Analytical and mathematical skills
- Data entry skills
- Attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
Duties and Responsibilities of an AP Clerk
- Handle and manage expense reports and invoices
- Make journal entries and post to the general ledger in a timely manner
- Reconcile credit card and bank accounts
- Verify, record, and categorize all data relating to accounts payable
- Craft financial reports on accounts payable data
- Ensure accurate and smooth functioning of overall AP processes and operations
Accounts Payable Job Description Template
Are you an accounts payable (AP) specialist?
We need you!
For this role, you’ll be managing our system’s cash flow and handling payments to our suppliers and vendors. If you’re well-versed in handling the AP/AR cycle, then you could be what we’re looking for.
Our ideal AP specialist has the right mix of hard and soft skills to make an impact within and beyond the accounts payable department. Join one of the fastest-growing companies in the [given industry] and see below to know if you’re a great fit!
Role Objectives
- Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of payments to business partners and other related parties
- Streamlining the company’s payment system and boosting its overall financial health
- Building lasting relationships with the company’s current suppliers and vendors
Role Responsibilities
- Processing and managing expense reports and invoices
- Ensuring accurate journal entries and posting to the general ledger
- Reconciling credit card and bank accounts
- Generate purchase orders as needed
Role Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or equivalent
- Analytical and mathematical skills
- Experience in AP/AR tasks/operations
- Experience with accounting software for AP-related processes
Sounds like you? Send your CV to companyname@HRemail.com
[ACCOUNTS PAYABLE CLERK] [HIRING] [FULL-TIME] [ONSITE]
We’re looking for an Accounts Payable Clerk to process invoices and expense reports, categorize all payments to our vendors, suppliers, and other partners, and manage the overall AP cycle.
Aside from accuracy and timeliness with financial records and reports on outgoing payments, our company is looking for an Accounts Payable Clerk to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Responsibilities
- Ensure that outgoing payments are paid ahead of time/on time
- Ensure that outgoing payments are accurate and error-free
- Verify, record, and categorize data relating to the AP cycle
- Reconcile any discrepancies in payments relating to AP
- Ensure GAAP compliance
- Produce financial reports on AP data
Requirements for the Role
- Degree in accounting or related fields
- Experience as an Accounts Payable Clerk
- Basic understanding of AP/AR principles
- Proficiency in MS Office, especially Excel
- Proficiency in AP/AR accounting software
If you think you’re a good fit for the role, click the apply button below.
Where to Source the Best Accounts Payable Specialist Possible?
Need a leg up with your accounts payable processes? You might be looking in the wrong places.
The accounting industry has been facing a huge talent crunch in recent years, which can be mostly attributed to the declining interest in accounting roles.
Given the shrinkage of the current talent pool for AP specialists, most firms struggle with sourcing their accounts payable clerks.
Not to mention higher overhead costs, and a steadily increasing turnover rate, which means additional rehiring costs.
Out of this crisis arose a business model that aims to resolve these pressing concerns — introducing offshoring.
Need Help with AP Cycles?
Beyond gaining a better understanding of the role, these accounts payable job description templates can help you attract the best talent to your firm.
But you shouldn’t stop here.
Look at your local talent market: for years on end, the industry has suffered from a shortage of accounting professionals, like AP specialists.
You need an elite accounting team that’s US-trained, GAAP-compliant, and highly competent.
The TOA Global Difference: Enhanced Accounts Payable Processes with Offshoring
TOA Global is a tried-and-tested talent solutions provider, bridging staffing gaps for accounting firms globally. From tax specialists to general accounting and bookkeeping staff like AR and AP clerks, TOA Global provides top-quality accounting staff to cater to you and your firm’s needs.
Don’t take our word for it — see how our long-term solutions have helped almost 1,200 international clients here.
Reap all the benefits of offshoring and more. Schedule a call with one of our experts today for a free consultation.
